In recent years, with the increasing threat of supersonic anti-ship missiles and subsonic anti-ship missiles, major global military powers have increased their efforts to develop end-short-range defense systems. China has become a leader in this field due to its possession of the 1130 close-in weapon system (CIWS). Recently, China unveiled a new type of bullet curtain weapon system known as the "Metal Storm," which was first disclosed by the magazine "Modern Weapons." This vehicle-mounted counter-drone swarm and anti-missile bullet curtain weapon system, developed by Harbin No. 1 Machinery Group Co., Ltd. of China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation, has opened up a new technical route in the field of shipborne end-short-range defense with its ultra-high rate of fire and multi-purpose adaptability. Its strategic position cannot be underestimated.
"Metal Storm" originated from the concept of ultra-high-rate-of-fire cannons proposed by Australia in the 1990s. Its core lies in achieving dense bullet curtain launches through multiple preloaded barrels and an electronic pulse ignition system. The Chinese version of "Metal Storm" further innovates based on this concept, adopting a 16-barrel configuration with a 35mm caliber, with each barrel having a firing rate of up to 12,000 rounds per minute, resulting in a total firing rate of an astonishing 400,000 rounds per minute, far exceeding the fastest current service CIWS, the "1130". Its working principle is to ignite the propellant precisely through an electronic controller, sequentially pushing the projectiles for serial launch. After multi-barrel integration, it forms a "bullet wall" with wide coverage and extremely high density, capable of intercepting supersonic missiles, subsonic missiles, drones, and "swarm" targets within a range of 3-5 kilometers. Of course, using it to intercept "swarm" targets might not be cost-effective, and there may not be enough ammunition available for launching. I believe its main application remains intercepting escaped subsonic and supersonic anti-ship missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and aerial bombs.
Compared with traditional chemically-powered rapid-fire cannons, "Metal Storm" boasts advantages such as fast rate of fire, strong lethality, low cost, and good adaptability. Especially when facing a large number of incoming targets, the rate of fire and reaction time of traditional close-in weapon systems are often inadequate, while "Metal Storm," with its all-electric launch and electronic pulse ignition technology, can flexibly adjust shooting frequency, seamlessly integrate with fire control systems, and form networked combat capabilities. This characteristic makes it not only applicable to land-based platforms but also easily integrated into surface warships, becoming a "killer锏" for shipborne end-short-range defense.
In modern naval warfare, Western subsonic missiles and India's supersonic anti-ship missiles pose unprecedented challenges to ship defenses due to their high speed and maneuverability. Although traditional shipborne close-in weapon systems can handle some threats, they often struggle under saturation attacks. The advent of "Metal Storm" has completely changed this situation. Its ultra-high rate of fire can quickly construct a bullet curtain barrier, "tearing apart" incoming targets in the end-short-range interception zone, effectively compensating for the insufficient firepower density of existing close-in weapon systems.
In addition, "Metal Storm" supports various 35mm ammunition, such as AHEAD programmable fuze submunitions, allowing for optimized kill effects against different targets. Whether it's supersonic missiles skimming at low altitudes or small drone swarms, its 3-5 kilometer range and flexible networking capability provide ships with multi-layered defense. More importantly, its low cost and high survivability make it capable of sustained combat in high-intensity operations, avoiding the predicament of traditional missile defense systems running out of ammunition.
"Metal Storm" is not just a weapon of technological innovation; it also represents China's effort to seize strategic high ground in the field of shipborne end-short-range defense. As the only mass-produced "Metal Storm" system in the world today, its unveiling marks China's lead in ultra-high-rate-of-fire cannon technology globally. This has profound significance for addressing increasingly complex maritime threats. For example, in response to potential opponents' carrier battle groups or missile saturation attacks, the Chinese navy can significantly enhance its survival capability and counterattack efficiency by deploying "Metal Storm" on destroyers and frigates.
What is more noteworthy is the export potential of "Metal Storm." With its deployment in the military and entry into the international market, its low cost and high efficiency may attract purchases from smaller countries, thus changing the regional maritime power balance.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491967815755383306/
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